The arrangement had been solemnly made, and consented to by all the provinces, acting in their separate and sovereign capacity.

Such a radical change, even if it were otherwise permissible, could not be made without long debates, consultations, and votes by the several states.

What could be more fatal at such a crisis than this childish and causeless delay.

There could be no doubt in any statesman's eyes that the Spanish party meant war and a preparatory hoodwinking.

And it was even worse for the government of the Republic to be outwitted in diplomacy than beaten in the field.
"Every man here," said the Advocate, "has more apprehension of fraud than of force.